IELTS Writing Task 1: Combination Diagrams

Today, we will focus on combination diagrams (also known as mixed diagrams) in IELTS Writing Task 1. This lesson will be divided into four parts:

1. What are combination diagrams?

2. High-scoring strategies for tackling these types of questions.

3. Analysis of a sample answer.

4. Emerging trends in combination diagram questions.

1. What are Combination Diagrams?

Combination diagrams refer to tasks that present two or more different types of charts together. For instance, you might encounter a pie chart combined with a table, or a table alongside a bar chart. If a question features multiple charts of the same type, such as several pie charts, it does not qualify as a combination diagram. A combination diagram must involve two or more different types of visual representations.

There is no need to feel anxious or intimidated by combination diagrams; their core principles are similar to those of standard charts. You will simply need to manage different types of visual information. By analysing the data in each component, you can describe them in an orderly fashion. For example, if the task includes a pie chart and a table, and the table contains more information, you can select key data from the table and group your description accordingly. Remember that the length of your main paragraphs does not have to be equal; rather, it should reflect the amount of information provided.

2. High-scoring Strategies for Combination Diagrams

When addressing combination diagrams, it is crucial to handle the information from each chart carefully, describing their main contents sequentially. For example, if a task includes a pie chart and a table, where the pie chart presents less information and the table contains more data, you will need to highlight the key figures from the table and describe them in groups.

Taking a sample question as an example, we can see that the combination diagram consists of two parts: the first part is a single pie chart, and the second part is a table. The header of the table indicates the theme—the causes of land degradation worldwide. The pie chart illustrates the proportional distribution of different causes, while the table lists the specific percentages of each cause across various regions. These two components are closely linked and provide clear information. In your writing, you can break down the information from each chart, starting with the pie chart, followed by the table, and finally summarising the connection between the two.

3. Sample Answer Analysis

Let’s examine a sample answer to understand how to describe a combination diagram effectively. The pie chart depicts the four main causes of farmland degradation globally. Begin by summarising the main content of the pie chart:

“The pie chart shows that there are four primary causes of farmland degradation in the world today.”

Then, provide specific details about the proportions of each cause using passive voice and concise adverbs, for example:

“Globally, 35% of land degradation is attributed to overgrazing, followed by deforestation at 30%. Over-cultivation accounts for 28%, while other causes constitute only 7%.”

During the description, consciously employ a variety of sentence structures and vocabulary, such as using “respectively” when dealing with multiple figures to avoid monotonous language.

Next, use transitional phrases to guide the reader into the analysis of the table section. Common transitional phrases include:

-“In terms of”

-“As to”

-“When it comes to”

The table presents the causes and proportions of land degradation based on different regions. By using horizontal and vertical cues, you can describe the specific situation for each region, for instance:

“Europe suffers from deforestation at 9.8%, while North America is primarily affected by over-cultivation at 7.7%.”

This descriptive approach covers the overall situation while highlighting the differences between regions. Throughout your chart description, utilise advanced sentence structures, such as absolute phrases and temporal clauses, to enhance the logical flow and depth of your writing.

4. Testing Trends

In recent years, although the occurrence of combination diagrams in IELTS writing has been relatively low, there has been a notable increase in their frequency since 2022. The difficulty level of these questions is comparatively high and often appears during changeover periods for exam topics. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to this type of question and practise related exercises to feel prepared for the exam.